City of Rochester

News Release

(Saturday, April 12, 2014) – Mayor Lovely A. Warren administered the Oath of Office of Chief of Police to Michael L. Ciminelli at the Public Safety Building today.

“Chief Michael L. Ciminelli is a consummate public servant,” said Mayor Warren. “He has dedicated his entire career to public safety. I have full confidence that he is the right person to lead the men and women of the Rochester Police Department. He has a proven track record and he understands the issues that we face.” Chief Ciminelli is Rochester’s 34th Police Chief. Chief Ciminelli is a native of Rochester, growing up on the city’s west side in the 19th Ward.

“I am thankful to Mayor Warren and the City Council for this opportunity to lead the men and women of the Rochester Police Department,” said Chief Ciminelli. “I look forward to continuing our efforts to serve and protect this great community.”

Prior to his appointment as Chief, Ciminelli served as Deputy Chief of Police for the Rochester Police Department, Administration Bureau, responsible for administrative and support functions, including budget development and management, human resources, policy, training, vehicle fleet management, property and evidence, research and evaluation, labor relations and grant management. His former RPD assignments include Commanding Officer of the Special Operations Division, Commander of Patrol Division West, Sergeant, Homicide Investigator, and Patrol Officer.

Chief Ciminelli served as Chief of Police of the Elmira New York Police Department from 1996 to 2002. He was an Assistant District Attorney for the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office from 1988 to 1991. His other professional experience includes serving as a Police Management Consultant and as an onsite Assessor for the Commission for Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies and the New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.

As an attorney admitted to practice law in New York State and the District of Columbia, Chief Ciminelli also served as Deputy Chief Counsel for Operational Law for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. During his time at the DEA, Chief Ciminelli also was Chief of the Domestic Criminal Law Section and a Staff Attorney in the International Law Section.

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News Media: For more information, contact City of Rochester Communications Director, Christine Christopher at 428-7135.